Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders which cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain and transmits images. This optic nerve is damaged when intraocular pressure...

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders which cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain and transmits images. This optic nerve is damaged when intraocular pressure inside the eye becomes higher than normal. This condition is also called ocular hypertension or high eye pressure. The disorder is an inherited condition and worsens over time leading to permanent vision loss. A timely treatment and detection can protect the eye against serious vision loss and permanent blindness.

Two main types of glaucoma are open angle glaucoma (OAG) and narrow angle glaucoma (NAG). OAG refers to cases where the watery fluid built-up inside the eye can access the drainage angle to form its path out of the eye. NAG refers to a condition where the watery fluid cannot access the drainage path.

Symptoms

Most people do not develop early symptoms of glaucoma. However, the only first sign is a peripheral loss of angled or side vision. For an early detection, in case any symptoms of vision difficulty, complete eye check up with a specialist on regular basis is advised. The symptoms that should not be ignored or are grouped as early signals are:

Causes

Glaucoma occurs due to pressure build-up inside the eye because of obstruction in the path of liquid movement in front part of the eye. The fluid called aqueous humor, moves within the eye through a mesh like structure. In case of any obstruction inside this channel, pressure builds up leading to glaucoma. Probable causes of the disease include:

As it opens the fluid blockage, it is effective for people suffering from open angle glaucoma. The procedure helps to open the drainage (Trabeculoplasty) by creating a hole for fluid flow (Iridotomy) and treating mid affected layer of the eye to reduce fluid pressure (Cyclophotocoagulation).

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor, if you begin to experience blind spots in your vision, face a trouble seeing, or experience vomiting and nausea. At Medanta, all these symptoms will be treated just right with the expert medical and clinical help.